Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report which reports on the work of the Corporate Parent Panel for the year 2024/25.

The report was submitted by Cllr Menna Trenholme.

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report which reports on
the work of the Corporate Parent Panel for the year 2024/25.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented explaining the statutory responsibility that the Council and its partners had to act as a corporate parent to all looked after children in Gwynedd. It was noted that the aim of the Council was for all looked after children to live a happy and safe life. It was confirmed that the Panel was overseeing this work on behalf of the Council.

It was highlighted that there had been 280 looked after children in Gwynedd in March 2025, which was 1 less than the previous year. It was added that there was a lot of movement within this group, with children leaving and others becoming looked after during the year.

It was stated that 186 children were in foster placements, 21 in residential placements, 54 placed with their parents, and 15 young people living independently with support. It was highlighted that there was an increase in the number of looked after children in Gwynedd, adding that the placement of children close to their communities was positive.

It was revealed that most of the children who became looked after during the reporting period had been under the age of 5, and that many of the cases were related to safeguarding problems, substance misuse, or domestic violence. 

Reference was made to the support offered to families such as through the Team Around the Family and the Trobwynt Services, noting that they continued to have a positive impact.

It was explained that there had been a positive increase in the number of registered foster homes, as well as a reduction in the number of children who experienced 3 or more moves in their placement.

During 2024/25, a package of benefits had been developed for the County's foster carers, which included a reduction in Council Tax, a free parking permit, and the use of leisure centres.

Reference was made to the Small Group Homes Project noting that three new properties had been purchased during the year. It was highlighted that the first home had been opened in Morfa Bychan, and that two more houses were in the pipeline.

Pride was expressed that looked after children's health performance had improved significantly, noting that a large proportion of these children had registered with a GP and dentist. It was emphasised that there was close collaboration with CAMHS and the health service to ensure appropriate support for all children.

It was noted that the Panel had been exploring how to make Gwynedd a 'Trauma Informed' Council and offering training to the workforce.

It was highlighted that the Panel was cross-departmental and was proud that it was setting high standards for the Council.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Foster parents were recognised and thanked for the great work they were doing across the County. A question was asked about the impact of the change in regulations to make children's placements non-profit. It was confirmed that the children's placements were intended to be non-profit by 2030, but the answer was not black and white at this point. It was noted that the Act would come into force in 2026, but that it allowed until 2030 to undertake this transitional work.

·       More information was requested about arrangements regarding children who were in out-of-county placements and unregistered placements. It was ensured that arrangements for children placed within the County and outside the County were the same, highlighting that they remained the responsibility of Gwynedd. The 3 recorded cases in 2024/25 of using unregistered placement arrangements were mentioned, explaining that these were cases where the children's previous placement arrangements had broken down and therefore it had not been possible to find another registered placement for them. It was noted that the Care Inspectorate must be notified when such an arrangement was made, which then monitored the arrangement. 

·       There was pride that there had been a significant increase in the number of foster carers compared to last year.

·       It was asked if there was a specific reason behind this increase in the number of foster carers over the past year. It was explained that there was no definitive answer to this, but it was confirmed that there were regular campaigns to try to generate interest, and that the Council sought to respond in a timely manner to any expressions of interest. The positive impact of Foster Wales was also mentioned.

·       Members were given more information about the Neurodevelopmental Service. It was noted that this work was broader than the work of the Panel. It was highlighted that there had been a focus in Gwynedd on raising awareness amongst the workforce and offering support where appropriate.

·       It was highlighted that there was a reach gap between looked after children and children who were not looked after, and it was asked if there was anything in the pipeline to close that gap. It was noted that there was an opportunity to hold cross-departmental discussions to be able to understand and respond to this gap.